Truck drivers are the backbone of the American economy and the economies of countless other countries. They deliver the tangible goods that make our world go round, like food, clothing, computers, and many other supplies. Trucking is by no means an easy job. Just like any other profession, it comes with its pressures and challenges. The top problems truckers face are the five listed below.
Top Problems Faced by Truckers
Transporting Loads on Time
The number one challenge of trucking is to do the job: get goods to their destinations safely and on time. Truckers must have the logistics planned, the time calculated, and a body and mind ready for hours of driving. They must be able to adjust for traffic and weather delays. Failure to get to the location on schedule isn’t good; trucking companies must give the driver a reasonable delivery time frame and leeway for dangerous weather.
Maintaining the Truck
Truckers must also know how to maintain their trucks well and address problems that might arise. On the other hand, it is often the trucking company’s responsibility to maintain the trucks, so if the truckers must drive with a malfunctioning vehicle, there is not much they can do and they must bear with the inconvenience.
Truckers also need to know how to load and unload their truck. If it is a flatbed, they need to have enough knowledge and skill to tie down a load properly.
Distracted Driving
Distracted driving is a threat to semi-truck drivers, too. Distractions are one of the top causes for vehicle accidents. Distractions can come in the form of drowsiness, distressed thoughts and emotions, noisy, restless passengers, fiddling with music, food, etc., while driving, and seeing an unusual object on the road.
Loneliness
Working alone all day, every day can be very lonely, which takes a significant mental toll on many. Truckers often deal with the threat of loneliness, especially OTR drivers. Regional and local drivers can spend more time at home, but being alone during the day can also be challenging.
Industry and Economic Issues
Truckers also face the impacts of global and industry issues, like inflated diesel prices, natural disasters, road tolls, fewer young people entering the field, and more.
These are the top problems truckers face. Even so, trucking companies make it through, and Evan Transportation is here for you in Maryland and the Mid-Atlantic region.
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Follow us here at Evan Transportation to get more updates on driving tips and the trucking industry. Evan Transportation provides trucking and transportation services for clients throughout the Mid-Atlantic region. All of our drivers and staff are offered competitive salaries and benefits and are guaranteed to be home every day. Interested in finding out more? Visit us online or give us a call at 443-673-3365. For even more information, visit us on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and LinkedIn.